When planning steel buildings, roofing systems, solar mounting structures, or wall framing, one of the most common questions is: what size and lengths do Z purlins come in? Understanding Z purlin dimensions, thicknesses, and available lengths is essential for structural design, load calculation, installation efficiency, and logistics planning. At GNEE STEEL, we produce standard and fully customized Z purlin sizes to meet global construction requirements, with strict adherence to international standards for dimensional accuracy and performance.

Z purlins
What are Z Purlins?
Z purlins resemble the shape of a letter "Z" and are also referred to as Zee or Zed purlins. They are roof framing members that span parallel to the building eave and support the roof decking or sheeting. The metal purlins are in turn supported by rafters or walls.
Zed purlins are secondary steel framing members used for both roof and wall. Zee Purlins are commonly chosen for the ability to end lap.
Standard Sizes of Z Purlins (Width & Depth)
Z purlin sizes are typically defined by web height (depth), flange width, and steel thickness. These dimensions directly determine load-bearing capacity, span capability, and compatibility with roof sheets and mounting systems.
Below is a professional table of commonly used standard Z purlin sizes widely applied in warehouses, factories, prefabricated buildings, and solar PV structures:
| Z Purlin Size (H × B × t) | Web Height (H) | Flange Width (B) | Steel Thickness (t) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z80×40×2.0 | 80 mm | 40 mm | 2.0 mm | Light roofing, small sheds |
| Z100×50×2.0–2.5 | 100 mm | 50 mm | 2.0 / 2.5 mm | Medium warehouses, workshops |
| Z120×50×2.0–2.5 | 120 mm | 50 mm | 2.0 / 2.5 mm | Long-span roofs, wall girts |
| Z140×50×2.0–3.0 | 140 mm | 50 mm | 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.0 mm | Industrial buildings, heavy loads |
| Z160×60×2.0–3.0 | 160 mm | 60 mm | 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.0 mm | Large factories, high wind/snow areas |
| Z180×60×2.0–3.0 | 180 mm | 60 mm | 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.0 mm | Extra-long roof spans |
| Z200×70×2.0–3.0 | 200 mm | 70 mm | 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.0 mm | Heavy-duty industrial structures |
| Z220 / Z250 / Z300 | 220–300 mm | 60–80 mm | 2.0–3.0 mm | Custom large-span projects |
In addition to these standard profiles, Z purlins can also be produced in non-standard sizes based on project drawings, including special flange widths, unequal flanges, and reinforced sections for high-load conditions.
Standard Thickness Range of Z Purlins
Steel thickness is a key factor affecting strength and durability. The most commonly supplied thicknesses for galvanized Z purlins are:
1.8 mm
2.0 mm
2.3 mm
2.5 mm
2.8 mm
3.0 mm
For projects requiring higher strength, such as coastal areas with strong winds or regions with heavy snowfall, thicknesses up to 3.5 mm can also be customized.
Standard Lengths of Z Purlins
Z purlins are cut-to-length products, meaning they are manufactured according to project needs rather than fixed universal lengths. However, to optimize container shipping and on-site installation, industry-standard length ranges are commonly used:
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Regular length range:
3.0 meters – 12.0 meters
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Common practical lengths:
4.0 m
5.0 m
6.0 m
7.0 m
8.0 m
9.0 m
10.0 m
11.0 m
12.0 m
Longer Z purlins (up to 14 m or more) can be produced but may require special transportation arrangements. For most 20ft and 40ft sea containers, 6m and 12m lengths are the most cost-effective, as they fit perfectly without wasted space.
Custom Z Purlin Sizes & Lengths
At GNEE STEEL, we support full customization for Z purlins to match your exact structural design:
Custom web height from 80 mm to 300 mm
Custom flange width from 40 mm to 80 mm
Any thickness between 1.8 mm and 3.5 mm
Any length from 1.0 m to 14.0 m
Pre-punched holes at custom spacing
Hot-dip galvanized or pre-galvanized surface treatment
All dimensions are controlled within tight tolerances to ensure easy overlapping, stable installation, and consistent structural performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Z purlins be longer than 12 meters?
Yes, we can produce Z purlins up to 14 meters, but longer profiles may require open-top containers or special logistics.
Q: How do I choose the right Z purlin size?
The correct size depends on span distance, roof load, wind and snow pressure, and building design. Our technical team can provide sizing recommendations based on your project parameters.
Q: Are lengths customized per container?
Yes, we can optimize lengths to fully utilize 20ft or 40ft containers, reducing shipping costs and material waste.


